Preparations, Methods and Kits Useful for the Treatment of Cough

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a respiratory preparation providing cough relief in a human comprising: a thickening agent; a benefit agent. Additionally, the invention relates to a method of providing cough relief in a human comprising: the steps of administering to a human a respiratory preparation comprising: a thickening agent; a benefit agent.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This reference claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/028,547, filed Feb. 18, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/003,886, filed Nov. 21, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a respiratory preparation providing cough relief in a human comprising: a thickening agent; a benefit agent; and wherein said respiratory preparation provides on demand relief.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Post nasal drip is caused by the over secretion of mucous in the nasal cavity. The constant trickle of mucus in the throat results in triggering the cough reflex. During colds (viral infections), inflammation may occur in the mucosa such that cytokines and inflammatory mediators are released into nasal secretions. These then bathe the throat and cause a sequence of pain/soreness that is much more easily aggravated by innocuous stimuli such as changes in air temperature (cold air) which stimulate the cough reflex. Additionally, the cough reflex can also be stimulated by a dry mouth and/or throat.

Attempts have been made to alleviate this cough response by compositions such as cough drops, sore throat sprays, and cough syrups. The response of cough drops is not instant and drops are usually solid doses that must be melted in the mouth and provide no coating of the throat. Sore throat sprays can contain actives that numb the mouth and throat. Sprays normally contain instruction to not swallow so there is no throat coating and no cough relief.

Additionally, it is believed that cough suppression can be enhanced by focused delivery of the active to the site of irritation, the target mucosa. The benefit of targeted delivery such as that which is realized when a spray is used, is that the actives are not lost to irreversible binding to the mucin (via mucoadheasion) before they can reach the target sites.

Therefore, the various embodiments described herein provide for a respiratory preparation that provides instant cough relief in a portable form. The preparation can be used to target the mouth and/or throat and thus prevents the stimulation of a cough response and/or triggers the flow of saliva and to help to hydrate the mouth and/or throat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment is directed to a respiratory preparation providing cough relief in a human comprising: a thickening agent; a benefit agent; and wherein said respiratory preparation provides on demand relief.

An additional embodiment further relates to a method of providing cough relief in a human comprising: the steps of administering to a human a respiratory preparation comprising: a thickening agent; a benefit agent; and wherein said respiratory preparation provides on demand cough relief.

An additional embodiment is further directed to a kit comprising: a delivery device and a respiratory preparation contained in said delivery device; wherein said respiratory preparation comprising: a thickening agent; a benefit agent; and wherein said respiratory preparation provides on demand cough relief.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment is directed to a respiratory preparation providing cough relief in a human comprising: a thickening agent; a benefit agent; and wherein said respiratory preparation provides on demand relief.

These and other limitations of the compositions and methods of the present invention, as well as many of the optional ingredients suitable for use herein, are described in detail hereinafter.

The term “oral compositions” as used herein refers to compositions in a form that is deliverable to a mammal in need. Nonlimiting examples include liquid compositions, beverage, supplemental water, pills, soft gels, tablets, capsules, gel compositions, foam compositions, and combinations thereof. Liquid compositions, gel compositions can be in a form that is directly deliverable to the mouth and throat. These compositions and/or preparations can be delivered by a delivery device selected from droppers, pump, sprayers, liquid dropper, cup, bottle, liquid filled gel, liquid filled gummy, center filled gum, chews, films, center filled lozenge, gum filled lozenge, pressurized sprayers, atomizers, air inhalation devices, liquid filled compressed tablet, liquid filled gelatin capsule, liquid filled capsule, and other packaging and equipment, and combinations thereof. The sprayer, atomizer, and air inhalation devices can be associated with a battery or electric power source.

All weights, measurements and concentrations herein are measured at 25° C. on the composition in its entirety, unless otherwise specified.

All percentages, parts and ratios as used herein are by weight of the total composition, unless otherwise specified. All such weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based on the active level and, therefore do not include solvents or by-products that may be included in commercially available materials, unless otherwise specified.

The composition, preparations and methods of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise useful in compositions intended for use or consumption by mammals preferably consumption or use by humans.

Respiratory Preparation

The present invention is a respiratory preparation. In one embodiment the respiratory preparation comprises a thickening agent; and a benefit agent. The preparation provides instant relief. The preparation can additionally, reduce inflammation and relieve minor pain associated with a cough and/or sore throat.

The preparation can be in a delivery device that is convenient and easy to carry and can be used as often as needed. In one embodiment the preparation is delivered to a site of treatment with the delivery device. Preferably the site of treatment is the mouth and throat. The delivery device can be selected from the group consisting of pump, spray, liquid dropper, cup, bottle, liquid filled gel, liquid filled gummy, center filled gum, chews, films, center filled lozenge, gum filled lozenge, liquid filled compressed tablet, liquid filled gelatin capsule, liquid filled capsule, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment the preparation is an oral composition. The oral composition can be selected from the group consisting of liquid compositions, beverage, supplemental water, gel compositions, foam compositions, pills, tablets, soft gels or capsules, and combinations thereof.

The preferred pH range of the preparation is from about 1 to about 7, from about 2 to about 6.5, from about 2 to about 5 and from about 2.6 to about 4.6.

Thickening Agent

In an embodiment, the preparation comprises a thickening agent. When present the preparation comprises from about 0.01% to about 60%, alternatively from about 0.1% to about 40%, alternatively from about 1% to about 30%, alternatively from about 2% to about 20%, alternatively from about 3% to about 15%, by weight of the preparation.

The thickening agent can provide a moisturizing and/or hydration benefit that relieves the cough on contact and/or provides aid in healing the mouth and/or throat.

Nonlimiting examples of thickening agents include carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), carboxymethylcellulose sodium; and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the thickening agent is carboxymethylcellulose sodium.

Benefit Agent

The preparation can comprise a benefit agent. When present the preparation comprises from about 0.01% to about 30%, alternatively from about 0.03% to about 25%, alternatively from about 0.05% to about 20%, alternatively from about 0.4% to about 20%, alternatively from about 1% to about 15%, alternatively from about 1.5% to about 10%, by weight of the preparation.

The benefit agent can provide cooling and warming benefit to the mouth and/or throat, signal to the user that the preparation has reached the area of the mouth and/or throat where the cough is generated and can aid in providing immediate relief of the cough.

Nonlimiting examples of benefit agents include cooling agents, warming agents, flavoring agents, salivating agents, and combinations thereof. Nonlimiting examples of cooling agents include WS-23 (2-Isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide), WS-3 (N-Ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-30 (1-glyceryl-p-mentane-3-carboxylate), WS-4 (ethyleneglycol-p-methane-3-carboxylate), WS-14 (N-t-butyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-12 (N-(4-, ethoxyphenyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-5 (Ethyl-3-(p-menthane-3-carboxamido)acetate, Menthone glycerol ketal (sold as Frescolat® MGA by Haarmann & Reimer), (−)-Menthyl lactate (sold as Frescolat® ML by Haarmann & Reimer), (−)-Menthoxypropane-1,2-diol(sold as Coolant Agent 10 by Takasago International), 3-(1-menthoxy)propane-1,2-diol, 3-(1-Menthoxy)-2-methylpropane-1,2-diol, (−)-Isopulegol is sold under the name “Coolact P® ” by Takasago International., cis & trans p-Menthane-3,8-diols(PMD38)-Takasago International, Questice® (menthyl pyrrolidone carboxylate), (1R,3R,4S)-3-menthyl-3,6-dioxaheptanoate—Firmenich, (1R,2S,5R)-3-menthyl methoxyacetate—Firmenich, (1R,2S,5R)-3-menthyl 3,6,9-trioxadecanoate—Firmenich, (1R,2S,5R)-menthyl 11-hydroxy-3,6,9-trioxaundecanoate—Firmenich, (1R,2S,5R)-3-menthyl (2-hydroxyethoxy)acetate—Firmenich, Cubebol—Firmenich, Icilin also known as AG-3-5, chemical name 1-[2-hydroxyphenyl]-4-[2-nitrophenyl-]-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-2-one), 4-methyl-3-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-2[5H]-furanone, Frescolat ML—menthyl lactate, Frescolat MGA—menthone glycerin acetal, Peppermint oil, Givaudan 180, L-Monomenthyl succinate, L-monomenthyl glutarate, 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol—(Coolact 10), 2-1-menthoxyethanol (Cooltact 5).

Nonlimiting examples of warming agents include TK 1000, TK 1 MM, Heatenol—Sensient Flavors, Optaheat—Symrise Flavors, Cinnamon, Glycerine, Propylene glycol, Polyethylene glycol, Capsicum, Capsaicin, Curry, FSI Flavors.

Nonlimiting examples of flavoring agents include natural, artificial, artificial extracts, natural extracts and combination thereof. Nonlimiting examples of flavoring agents include: Vanilla, honey lemon, lemon honey, cherry vanilla, peach, honey ginger, cherry, cherry cream, mint, vanilla mint, dark berry, black berry, raspberry, peppermint, spearmint, honey peach, acai berry, cranberry, honey cranberry, tropical fruit, dragon fruit, wolf berry, red stem mint, pomegranate, black current, strawberry, lemon, lime, peach ginger, orange, orange cream, cream sickle, apricot, anethole, ginger, jack fruit, star fruit, blueberry, fruit punch, lemon grass, chamomile lemon grass, lavender, banana, strawberry banana, grape, blue raspberry, lemon lime, coffee, espresso, cappuccino, honey, wintergreen mint, bubble gum, tart honey lemon, sour lemon, green apple, boysenberry, rhubarb, strawberry rhubarb, persimmon, green tea, black tea, red tea, white tea, honey lime, cherry lime, apple, tangerine, grapefruit, kiwi, pear, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, maltol, ethyl-maltol, pumpkin, carrot cake, white chocolate raspberry, chocolate, white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate marshmallow, apple pie, cinnamon, hazelnut, almond, cream, crème Brule, caramel, caramel nut, butter, butter toffee, caramel toffee, aloe Vera, whiskey, rum, cocoa, liquorice, chamomile, pineapple, guava, melon, watermelon, elder berry, mouth cooler, raspberries and cream, peach mango, tropical, cool berry, lemon ice, nectar, spicy nectar, tropical mango, apple butter, peanut butter, tangerine, tangerine lime, marshmallow, cotton candy, apple cider, orange chocolate, and mixtures thereof.

Nonlimiting Examples of salivating agents include formula (I):

wherein R₁ represents C1-C2 n-alkyl; R₂ is 2-methyl-1-propyl and R₃ is hydrogen, or R₂ and R₃ taken together is a moiety having the formula —(CH₂)_(n)— wherein n is 4 or 5, or mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the salivating agent comprises a material wherein R₂ is 2-methyl-1-propyl and R₃ is hydrogen, more preferably wherein R₁ is C1 n-alkyl, R₂ is 2-methyl-1-propyl and R₃ is hydrogen. More preferably, the salivating agent comprises trans-pellitorin, a chemical having a structure according to formula (II):

Additional Component

The respiratory preparation can further comprise at least one additional component. When present the preparation comprises from about 0.1% to about 20% of an additional component, by weight of the preparation, alternatively from about 0.5% to about 15%, alternatively from about 1% to about 10%, alternatively from about 1.5% to about 5%, alternatively from about 2% to about 4% of an additional ingredient, by weight of the preparation.

Nonlimiting Examples of an additional component includes, tea extract, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Vitamin D, carotenoid, rosemary, rosemary extract, caffeic acid, coffee extract, tumeric extract, curcumin, blueberry extract, grapeseed extract, rosemaric acid, antioxidant, amino acid, enzyme, prebiotic, probiotic, andrographis extract, 1-tryptophan, Allium sativum, herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, antioxidants, natural ingredients, minerals, energy boosting ingredients, sleep aids, immune system boosting agents, colorant, preservative, fragrance, flavorant, fruit extract, a salivating agent, a salivating stimulator, and combinations thereof.

The preferred form of Vitamin C for use in the preparation is as ascorbic acid or the equivalent of a salt of ascorbic acid or the equivalent of a derivative of ascorbic acid. The vitamin C may either be in an immediate release form or a sustained release form.

Vitamin A and carotene can be obtained from either animal or vegetable sources. The vitamin A can be in the form of vitamin A, retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl proprionate, beta-carotene, alpha carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and mixtures thereof.

Nonlimiting examples of Vitamin D include Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and combinations thereof. Additional, nonlimiting examples also include metabolites of Vitamin D, including calcidiol, calcitriol, and combinations thereof. The Vitamin D, including cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol, calcidiol and calcitriol, may be derived from synthetic or natural sources. Vitamin D, including cholecalciferol and calcitriol, may be sourced from an extract of solanum glaucophyllum (malacoxylon), trisetum flavescens (goldhafer) or cestrum diumum. Both the pure, Vitamin D and/or glycosides of the Vitamin D, may be used.

Tea extract is a polyphenol. Nonlimiting examples of extracts includes Camellia sinensis. Nonlimiting sources of tea extract for use in the present invention are black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and/or green tea.

When present, the preparation can comprise from about 10⁶ to 10¹² cfU of a probiotic, and alternatively from about 10⁶ to 10¹⁰ cfu of a probiotic. The probiotic component can be a lactic acid bacteria. Preferably the probiotic is selected from the group consisting of bacteria of the genera Bacillus, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus (e.g., Enterococcus faecium), Lactobacillus, and Leuconostoc, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment of the invention, the probiotic is selected from bacteria of the genera Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of lactic acid bacteria suitable for use herein include strains of Streptococcus lactis, Streptococcus cremoris, Streptococcus diacetylactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus acidophilus (e.g., Lactobacillus acidophilus strain), Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus bifidus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus delbruekii, Lactobacillus thermophilus, Lactobacillusfermentii, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, and Pediococcus cerevisiae, or mixtures thereof, preferably Lactobacillus salivarius, Bifidobacterium infantis, or mixtures thereof.

Prebiotics which are useful include beet pulp, carob bean, psyllium, citrus pectin, rice bran, locust bean, fructooligosaccharide, inulin, oligofructose, galactooligosaccharide, citrus pulp, mannanoligosaccharides, arabinogalactan, lactosucrose, glucomannan, lactulose, polydextrose, apple pomace, tomato pomace, carrot pomace, cassia gum, xanthan gum, gum karaya, gum talha, gum arabic, cellulose, hemicellulose, cellulose ethers, lignin and combinations thereof. As used herein, the andrographis is a plant of the genus Andrographis, having a limited number of species within this genus largely present in Asia. Only a few of the species are medicinal. In one embodiment, the plant is of the species Andrographis paniculata, which may be referenced as Kalmegh in Ayurvedic medicine.

Coffee extract is a polyphenol. The main constituent of coffee extract is coffeic acid. When coffee extract is present nonlimiting sources of coffee extract include coffee, coffee bean, coffee berry, and/or coffee fruits. When coffeic acid is present nonlimiting sources of coffeic acid include coffee bean, coffee fruits, coffee, tea, berries, rosemary extract, and/or grapes extract.

Turmeric extract is a polyphenol. Turmeric extract is a spice which comprises a main active compound that is curcumin. Curcumin is a bioactive polyphenol plant pigment. Nonlimiting source of turmeric extract for use in the present invention is turmeric.

Blueberry extract is a polyphenol. The blueberry extract is rich in anthocyanins which display antioxidant activity.

Grapeseed extract is a polyphenol. The grape seed extract is rich in procyanidins which display antioxidant activity. Nonlimiting source of grapeseed extract for use in the present invention is grape seed.

A “carotenoid” is a class of pigments occurring in the tissues of higher plants, algae, bacteria and fungi. They are usually yellow to deep red. When a carotenoid is present, the carotenoid is selected from the group consisting of betacarotene, lutein, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, bixin, lycopene, and mixtures thereof.

Amino acids are the “building Blocks” of the body. Besides building cells and repairing tissue, they form antibodies to combat invading bacteria & viruses; they are part of the enzyme & hormonal system; they carry oxygen throughout the body and participate in muscle activity. When an amino acid is present, the amino acid is selected from the group consisting of Lysine, Taurine, Histidine, Carnosine, Alanine, Cysteine, and mixtures thereof.

When an antioxidant is present, the antioxidant is selected from the group consisting of Vitamin E, CoQ10, and mixtures thereof. Major dietary sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils, margarine and shortening, with nuts, seeds, whole grains and wheat germ providing additional sources. “Vitamin E” includes eight different chemical forms: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. The most biologically active form of vitamin E is alpha-tocopherol.

Nonlimiting examples of preservative include but are not limited to benzoalkonium chloride, EDTA, benzyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, parabens, sodium citrate, dehydrate sodium benzoate, and mixtures thereof.

Respiratory Ingredients

The preparation can further comprise a wide range of respiratory ingredients. Nonlimiting examples include analgesics, anticholinergics, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, antipyretics, antitussives, decongestants, expectorants, mucolytics, and combinations thereof.

Example of decongestants include: oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, xylometazoline, naphazoline, 1-desoxyephedrine, ephedrine, propylhexedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine. Example of anticholinergics include: ipratropium, chlorpheniramine, brompheniramine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, clemastine, and triprolidine. Common analgesics, anti-inflammatories and antipyretics include: ibuprofen, ketoprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, acetaminophen, and aspirin. Example of antivirals include: amantidine, rimantidine, pleconaril, zanamivir, and oseltamivir. Examples of antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan, chlophedianol and levodropropizine. Examples of expectorants include guaifenesin. Examples of mucolytics include ambroxol and N-acetylcysteine. Examples of antihistamines include diphenhydramine, doxylamine, triprolidine, clemastine, pheniramine, chlorpheniramine, brompheniramine, Dexbrompheniramine, loratadine, cetirizine and fexofenadine, Amlexanox, Alkylamine Derivatives, Cromolyn, Acrivastine, Ibudilast, Bamipine, Ketotifen, Nedocromil, Omalizumab, Dimethindene, Oxatomide, Pemirolast, Pyrrobutamine, Pentigetide, Thenaldine, Picumast, Tolpropamine, Ramatroban, Triprolidine, Repirinast, Suplatast Tosylate Aminoalkylethers, Tazanolast, Bromodiphenhydramine, Tranilast, Carbinoxamine, Traxanox, Chlorphenoxamine, Diphenhydramine, Diphenylpyaline, Doxylamine, Embramine, p-Methyldiphenhydramine, Moxastine, Orphenadrine, Phenyltoloxamine, Setastine, Ethylenediamine Derivatives, Chloropyramine, Chlorothen, Methapyrilene, Pyrilamine, Talastine, Thenyldiamine, Thonzylamine Hydrochloride, Tripelennamine, piperazines, Chlorcyclizine, Clocinizine, Homochlorcyclizine, Hydroxyzine, Tricyclics, Phenothiazines, Mequitazine, Promethazine, Thiazinamium Methylsulfate, Other Tricyclics, Azatadine, Cyproheptadine, Deptropine, Desloratadine, Isothipendyl, Olopatadine, Rupatadine, Antazoline, Astemizole, Azelastine, Bepotastine, Clemizole, Ebastine, Emedastine, Epinastine, Levocabastine, Mebhydroline, Mizolastine, Phenindamine, Terfenadine, Tritoqualine.

The preparation may comprise an amount of respiratory ingredient in the range of from about 0% to about 15%, alternatively 0.0001% to about 10%, alternatively from about 0.001% to about 7%, and alternatively from about 0.01% to about 5%, all by weight of the preparation.

Sweeteners

The respiratory preparation may comprise a sweetener to provide sweetness and aid in the taste masking of a respiratory ingredient(s) as well as to provide some body and thickness. When a sweetener is present in the preparation, the preparation may comprise from about 0.0001% to about 40% sweetener, from about 0.0001% to about 20% sweetener, alternatively from about from about 0.0001% to about 10% sweetener, alternatively from about from about 0.0001% to about 2% sweetener and alternatively from about 0.05% to about 1.0% sweetener, all by weight of the preparation. The sweeteners can be artificial sweeteners and/or natural sweeteners.

Non-limiting examples of artificial sweeteners are selected from the group consisting of sodium saccharine, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, aspartame, monoammonium glycyrrhizinate, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, thaumatin, neotame, cyclamates, stevia, and mixtures thereof. Generally, such artificial sweeteners are solids when used in sweetening the respiratory preparations.

When an artificial sweetener is present, the preparation may comprise from about 0.0001% to about 5% artificial sweetener, from about 0.0001% to about 3.5% artificial sweetener, alternatively from about from about 0.0001% to about 2.0% artificial sweetener, alternatively from about from about 0.0001% to about 1.0% artificial sweetener and alternatively from about 0.05% to about 1.0% artificial sweetener, all by weight of the preparation.

Nonlimiting examples of natural sweeteners include sucrose, fructose, glucose, glycerin, sorbitol, maltitol, and mannitol and combinations thereof. Sucrose, or table sugar, often in liquid form, may be used. The preparations of the present invention can contain natural sweeteners, such as sucrose. If the natural sweeteners are present in a liquid solution, then the natural sweeteners are present in the range of from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the natural sweeteners solution, and alternatively from about 10% to about 25% by weight of the natural sweeteners solution, wherein the natural sweeteners solution can comprise from about 15% to about 20% by weight of the natural sweeteners solution. If the natural sweeteners are present but not in a liquid solution, then the natural sweeteners are present in the range of from about 4% to about 20% by weight composition, and alternatively from about 8% to about 17% by weight of the composition, wherein the natural sweeteners solution can comprise from about 10% to about 14% by weight of the preparation.

Optional Ingredients

The preparations can comprise a wide range of optional ingredients. Nonlimiting examples of optional ingredients include antimicrobial metal salts, optional mildness enhancers, optional stabilizers, abrasives, biological additives, chemical additives, chelants, denaturants, drug astringents, emulsifiers, external analgesics, film formers, fragrance compounds, humectants, opacifying agents, plasticizers, propellants, reducing agents, solvents, foam boosters, stabilizers, hydrotropes, solublizing agents, suspending agents (non-surfactant), a solvent, viscosity increasing agents (aqueous and non-aqueous), sequestrants, buffers, keratolytics, and the like, and combinations thereof. Nonlimiting examples of antimicrobial metal salts include zinc, iron, copper, silver, tin, bismuth, and combinations thereof. Unless otherwise specified, the preparations may optionally comprise one or more given optional ingredients at concentrations ranging from about 0.001% to about 99%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 80%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 50%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 10%, all by weight of the preparation.

Methods of Use

As used herein, the term “orally administering” and/or “administering” with respect to the human/mammal means that the human/mammal ingests or is directed to ingest, or does ingest, or deliver, or chew, or drink, or spray, or place in mouth, one or more of the present respiratory preparations. The human/mammal may be directed to deliver the respiratory preparation to the site that the human/mammal intends to treat for example the mouth and/or throat. The human/mammal may be directed to ingest or deliver or chew, or drink, or spray, or place in mouth the preparation, such direction and or deliver may be that which instructs and/or informs the human that use of the preparation may and/or will provide relief from the respiratory symptom (e.g., symptomatic relief, whether temporary or permanent) for example, relief from coughing and/or sore throat. For example, such direction may be oral direction (e.g., through oral instruction from, for example, a physician, pharmacist, or other health professional), radio or television media (e.g., advertisement), or written direction (e.g., through written direction from, for example, a physician, pharmacist, or other health professional (e.g., scripts), sales professional organization (e.g., through, for example, marketing brochures, pamphlets, or other instructive paraphernalia), written media (e.g., internet, electronic mail, or other computer-related media)), and/or packaging associated with the composition (e.g., a label present on a delivery device holding the preparation). As used herein “written” means through words, pictures, symbols, and/or other visible or tactile descriptors. Such information need not utilize the actual words used herein, for example, “respiratory”, “symptom”, or “mammal”, but rather use of words, pictures, symbols, tactile means, and the like conveying the same or similar meaning are contemplated within the scope of this invention.

As further used herein, “treatment” and/or “providing relief” with respect to cough relief means that administration of the referenced respiratory preparation prevents, alleviates, ameliorates, inhibits, or mitigates one or more symptoms of the cough relief.

The present invention can also be directed to methods of “prevention” including preventing a cough or its associated symptoms from occurring in a mammal, for example when the mammal is predisposed to acquiring the symptoms of coughing, inhibiting the onset of coughing or its associated symptoms; and/or alleviating, reversing, or curing the coughing episode or its associated symptoms.

Administration may be on an as-needed or as-desired basis, for example, once-monthly, once-weekly, or daily, including multiple times daily, for example, at least once daily, from one to about six times daily, from about two to about four times daily, or about three times daily.

The amount of respiratory preparation administered may be dependent on a variety of factors, including the general quality of health of the mammal, age, gender, weight, or severity of symptoms.

Method of Making

The respiratory preparations may be prepared by any known or otherwise effective techniques suitable for providing a composition that provides a therapeutic benefit. In one embodiment the respiratory preparation is made by combining thickening agent with a solvent. The combined ingredients are then added to a mixing vessel containing flavors, demulcents, solvents, sweeteners, preservatives and mixed until homogenous. Next the preparation is packaged into spray bottles

In an alternative embodiment, the respiratory preparation is made by combining the thickening agent with a solvent. In a separate vessel the following are then added to a mixing vessel containing flavoring agent, demulcents, solvents, sweeteners, preservatives, heating and blending until uniform. The combined ingredients from the mixing vessel are added while above 60 C to a mold, and the thickening agent and solvent are injected into the center of the mold, and do not harden. The shell layer will harden, leaving the thickening agent and solvent in the center. Next the preparation is ejected from the mold and wrapped in a suitable delivery device.

Kit

In a further embodiment, the invention can comprise a kit. The kit can comprise: a delivery device and a respiratory preparation contained in said delivery device; wherein said respiratory preparation comprising a thickening agent; a benefit agent. The kit may further comprise at least one additional component. The kit may further comprise at least one respiratory ingredient. The kit may also comprise an additional respiratory preparation in a full size, a sample size or both. The kit may further comprise an additional composition that coordinates with the respiratory preparation that is comprised within the delivery device or attached to the outside of the delivery device. For example if the preparation contained in the delivery device is a preparation for the relief from coughing, the coordinating composition and/or preparation may be for congestion. As well, if the preparation in the delivery device is a preparation for coughing the coordinating preparation and or composition may be for runny nose, nasal or chest congestion, sneezing, pressure, headache, aches, fever, or sore throat. As well, if the preparation in the delivery device is a preparation for coughing the coordinating preparation and/or composition may be a vitamin. The kit may further comprise a coupon, rebate, or advertisement. The kit may further comprise a set of instructions. These instructions may also include illustrations.

EXAMPLES

The following examples further describe and demonstrate embodiments within the scope of the present invention. They are given for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention.

Examples

Below are illustrated various non-limiting examples of preparations of the present invention.

Examples 1-2

#1 #2 Ingredient % % USP Water QS QS Citric Acid 0.3 0 Sodium CMC 0.42 0.50 Type 7 HOF Propylene Glycol 15.0 15.0 Glycerin 15 0 Sucrose 13.4 0 Sodium Citrate 0.20 0 Dihydrate Sodium Benzoate 0.1 0.1 Low Cool Tart .42 Honey sucralose .08 .08 sorbitol 0 15.00 Benzoic acid 0 .15 Cooling Agent 0.02 0.02 (WS-23) Cooling Agent 0.03 0.03 #10 Flavor (Tart 0 .98 Honey Lemon 455115) Flavor available from FSI, Cincinnati, OH, USA Coolant available from Takasago International Corp., Tokyo, Japan

Example 1 can be made by first adding water, citric acid, and sodium CMC to a clean vessel. The contents are stirred until the CMC disperses. In a separate clean vessel the propylene glycol, glycerin, sucrose, flavors, sodium citrate and sodium benzoate are added and stirred until dissolved. The two mixtures are then combined and mixed until homogenous and then placed in a delivery device comprising the material Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). Example 2 can be made by first adding water, and sodium CMC to a clean vessel. The contents are stirred until the CMC disperses. In a separate clean vessel the propylene glycol, sucralose, sorbitol, flavors, and sodium benzoate are added and stirred until dissolved. The two mixtures are then combined and mixed until homogenous and then placed in a delivery device comprising the material PET.

Examples 3-5

#3 #4 #5 Ingredient % % % USP Water QS QS QS Citric Acid 0.30 0.30 0.30 Sodium CMC Type 7 0.30 0.30 0.30 HOF Propylene Glycol 10.00 10.00 10.00 Menthol USP Laevo — 0.10 0.10 Natural Sucrose 14.00 14.00 14.00 Sodium Saccharin 0.14 0.14 0.14 Sodium Benzoate 0.01 0.01 0.01 Flavor (Cherry 1.00 1.00 1.00 Vanilla #455116) Sodium citrate 0.45 0.45 0.45 dihydrate High Fructose Corn 45 45 45 Syrup Chlorpheniramine 0.02 0 0.01 Maleate -Guaifenesin 1.14 1.14 0 Dextromethoraphan 0 0 0.65 HBr Coloring Agent #10 0.001 0.001 0.001 Flavor available from FSI, Cincinnati, OH, USA Coloring Agent available from Sensient Pharmaceuticals Tech, St. Louis, MO, USA

Examples 3-5 can be made by first adding water, citric acid, and sodium CMC to a clean vessel. The contents are stirred until the CMC disperses. In a separate clean vessel the high fructose corn syrup, propylene glycol, pharmaceutical actives (Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Guaifenesin, Dextromethoraphan HBr), menthol, sucrose, flavors, sodium citrate and sodium benzoate are added and stirred until dissolved. The two mixtures are then combined and mixed until homogenous and then placed in a delivery device comprising the material PET.

Examples 6-7

RAW MATERIAL # 6 # 7 % % Water QS QS Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose 0.10 0.089 Sucrose sweetener solution 17 17.825 Phenylephrine HCl 0.07 0.06 Propylene Glycol 40 35.6 Sorbitol 20 17.8 Glycerin 5 4.45 Dextromethorphan HBr 0.13 0.11 Alcohol 4.25 3.79 Coolant 0.02 .01 Flavor 0.33 0.30 Sodium Benzoate 0.1 0.089 Citric Acid 0.14 0.12 Sodium Chloride 0.50 0.44 Sodium Saccharin 0.09 0.08 Coloring Agent #10 0.003 0.026 pH 4.5 4.7 Coolant available from Takasago International Corp., Tokyo, Japan Flavor available from IFF, Dayton, NJ, USA Coloring Agent available from Sensient Pharmaceuticals Tech, St. Louis, MO, USA

Examples 6-7 can be made by first, add propylene glycol, and alcohol to a clean vessel. The additional pharmaceutical ingredient(s), including, for example, acetaminophen and dextromethorphan, then flavor is added and stirred until dissolved. In a separate vessel, water is added to dissolve phenylephrine, color, buffering agents, and sweeteners. The aqueous solution is added to the propylene glycol solution. The resulting composition is mixed with sucrose sweetener solution and additional water and the composition is mixed until homogeneous and then placed in a device comprising the material PET.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

1. A respiratory preparation providing cough relief in a human comprising: a) a thickening agent; and b) a benefit agent.
 2. The respiratory preparation of claim 1, comprising from about 0.01% to about 60% of said thickening agent, by weight of the respiratory preparation.
 3. The respiratory preparation of claim 1, comprising from about 1% to about 40% of said thickening agent, by weight of the respiratory preparation.
 4. The respiratory preparation of claim 1, wherein said thickening agent is selected from the group comprising carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), carboxymethylcellulose sodium and combinations thereof.
 5. The respiratory preparation of claim 4, wherein said thickening agent is carboxymethylcellulose sodium.
 6. The respiratory preparation of claim 1, comprising from about 0.01% to about 30% of said benefit agent, by weight of the respiratory preparation.
 7. The respiratory preparation of claim 1, comprising from about 0.02% to about 25% of said benefit agent, by weight of the respiratory preparation.
 8. The respiratory preparation of claim 1, wherein said benefit agent is selected from the group comprising cooling agent, warming agent, flavoring agent, salivating agent, and combinations thereof.
 9. The respiratory preparation of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of a tea extract, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Vitamin D, carotenoid, rosemary, rosemary extract, caffeic acid, coffee extract, tumeric extract, curcumin, blueberry extract, grapeseed extract, rosemaric acid, antioxidant, amino acid, enzyme, prebiotic, probiotic, andrographis extract, 1-tryptophan, Allium sativum, herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, antioxidants, natural ingredients, minerals, energy boosting ingredients, sleep aids, immune system boosting agents, colorant, preservative, fragrance, flavorant, fruit extract, a salivating stimulator, and combinations thereof.
 10. The respiratory preparation of claim 1, further comprising a respiratory ingredient selected from the group consisting of analgesics, anticholinergics, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, antipyretics, antitussives, decongestants, expectorants, mucolytics, sensate agent, and combinations thereof.
 11. The respiratory preparation of claim 1, wherein said respiratory preparation further comprising a sweetener.
 12. The respiratory preparation of claim 11, wherein said sweetener comprises an artificial sweetener.
 13. The respiratory preparation of claim 1, wherein said respiratory preparation is an oral composition.
 14. The respiratory preparation of claim 13, wherein said oral composition is selected from the group consisting of liquid compositions, beverage, supplemental water, pills, soft gels, tablets, capsules, gel compositions, foam compositions, and combinations thereof.
 15. The respiratory preparation of claim 1, wherein said respiratory preparation is delivered to a site of treatment with a delivery device.
 16. The respiratory preparation of claim 15, wherein said delivery device is selected from the group consisting of pump, spray, liquid dropper, cup, bottle, liquid filled gel, liquid filled gummy, center filled gum, chews, films, center filled lozenge, gum filled lozenge, liquid filled compressed tablet, liquid filled gelatin capsule, liquid filled capsule, and combinations thereof.
 17. The respiratory preparation of claim 14, wherein said oral composition is administered at least once daily.
 18. A method of providing cough relief and sore throat relief in a human comprising: the steps of administering to a human a respiratory preparation comprising a) a thickening agent; b) a benefit agent.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said respiratory preparation is an oral composition.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein said oral composition is selected from the group consisting of liquid compositions, beverage, supplemental water, pills, soft gels, tablets, capsules, gel compositions, foam compositions, and combinations thereof.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein said respiratory preparation is delivered to a site of treatment with a delivery device.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein said delivery device is selected from the group consisting of pump, spray, liquid dropper, cup, bottle, liquid filled gel, liquid filled gummy, center filled gum, chews, films, center filled lozenge, gum filled lozenge, liquid filled compressed tablet, liquid filled gelatin capsule, liquid filled capsule, and combinations thereof.
 23. The method of claim 19, wherein said oral composition is administered at least once daily.
 24. A kit comprising: a delivery device and a respiratory preparation contained in said delivery device; wherein said respiratory preparation comprising a) a thickening agent; b) a benefit agent.
 25. The kit of claim 25, further comprising a set of instructions. 